28

Chapter 28 - King's Return.

Rigrit lazily half sits half lays down on a sofa dressed in casual pants and shirt while eating a dessert provided directly from Nazarick. A welcoming gift of sorts. Since Tsar was not interested in anything that wasn't meat or fish, she got both shares.

One of her summoned liches holds her glass of wine. At first, the provided mansion crawled with Emperor's summons but Rigrit quickly replaced all servants with her own, only leaving the servitor, a monster she didn't even recognize. No doubt there were at least one or two high-level stealth units lurking around, but that was expected.

Tsar, meanwhile, sits at the table and clumsily writes notes, growling at the pen from time to time and overall looking to be in a grumpy mood. Rigrit observes for a while and then says,

"I told you that keeping your Draconic sleep cycle in human form was a bad idea."

"I can see that," he responds with a tired grumble, letting out a long yawn.

Rigrit couldn't hide her amusement as she continues to watch Tsar using a pen to write a list of all potential dragon lords they could contact. Nazarick, to her surprise, was rather lax and gave them almost free range to do as they pleased, as long as it benefited the empire. She was even willing to believe that lords were much more human than she first believed.

It made her think. She luckily played a human character and, not counting the increase in intelligence and overall power, there was almost no change in her personality when she first arrived in this world. But it wasn't the case for the Ainz Ooal Gown, or how they called themselves now, the Lords of Ooal Gown. They were monsters, undead, demons, creatures that were almost universally evil. Despite that, a spark of humanity was within them.

Even a walk through the E-Rantel gave a clear image of their ruling style being harsh but fair. The patrolling undead reacted to every attempt at breaking the laws. Combined with food handouts for the poorest citizens, crime all but vanished overnight.

"That's about it. The list of rogue dragon lords is done. Rigrit, I could use your input on where should we start?"

Rigrit gets up from the sofa and sits by the table opposite to Tsar. A list was not particularly long, but at least she had a general idea who each of the dragons was. Mostly second-hand information since she, as a player, wasn't exactly liked among the dragons even though she was a friend and ally of Tsar.

"Hmm, the closest one should be the White Dragon Lord in the Azerlisia Mountains. I would guess that Nazarick will expand there from the forest of Tob anyway, so why not take care of it ourselves."

"I would prefer not to deal with local politics of short-lived races and concentrate on my own kind."

"How about we send your list and plan to Emperor and see what Nazarick plans to do?"

"That could work. They did promise to leave dealings with my kin to me."

Tsar rolls up the list and hands it to the servitor floating nearby. As much as he was still wary of everything from Yggdrasil, there was a necessity to overcome it. As the world rapidly changes, so should he. One glance at Rigrit made it clear to him she immensely enjoyed being young again, a gift the undead emperor gave her. He has been a friend with a player for two centuries and only used her knowledge to guard himself against Yggdrasil and players coming from it.

Was it guilt by proximity? It was his father who performed the ritual that consumed the capital of the Dragon Empire and set up a cycle of bringing players to this world. It was that ritual that brought the Greed Kings into this world that almost wiped out his kind. There was not a day when he didn't think what could have been if he had talked his father out of it. If he had fought the Greed Kings or guided them before they started their mad conquest.

There was one thing he had realized when he accepted the deal to serve the Empire of Nazarick. They were far more powerful than anything that came before them. He or any other dragon, even his aunt, had no chance of defeating them. If not guided, their clash with forces serving the Great Old One could end his kind for good. Or in the worst-case scenario, the world itself.

He had the first step in mind and living a human-like body for a few days had changed his perspective enough to take it.

"Rigrit, can you cast gate spell to the Floating City? I need to gather a few items."

Rigrit looks at him with a raised eyebrow, but then shrugs and casts the gate.

No backing out now. Tsar steps through the gate, arriving outside his sanctuary. The moment gate closes, he reverts back to his natural form, spreads his wings, and roars. It felt so good to be fully himself again.

First things first. A quick check on all the wards. The last thing he wanted was someone to steal his possessions while he was away. Next was to choose a suitable melee weapon from his collection. Not wanting to decide right away, he picks all the weapons he used as one of thirteen heroes and leaves the sanctuary. While there was still time, a flight above the desert was what he needed.

The warm wind and bright sun gave the right calming effect. The last few days were spent in the almost constant presence of Rigrit. He enjoyed her carefree company, but it was tiring. An hour or two of just flying around. That was all he needed now.

It was hard to tell how much time had passed when Rigrit contacted him again.

{ Tsar, Emperor is sending an assistant for us to represent him in our journey. Where should I cast gate to get you back? }

Not the news he wanted to hear, but not much to do at this point to change it. He could refuse the help, but that might not be the best option if he hopes to gain any level of trust.

{ Open it at the same location in ten minutes. }

{ Ok, I leave you to admire your treasures for a short while longer. }

It's always the first time that was most frightening. Using the Gate again was easier, and he had to admit the immense utility this spell possessed. Maybe his old stubborn self was too proud to admit but he should have started to accept Rigrit's offers of casting it a long time ago.

"Welcome Back. Did you get everything you needed?"

"Yes, it will be enough for now," Tsar says.

He carefully puts weapons down into an empty weapon rack and starts creating the defensive ward on it. Guarded or not, he would trust only his own wards in this matter. It was a somewhat lengthy process, but there was no rush.

A knock on the door interrupted his tough process a bit, but since Rigrit went to answer the door so he could continue with his spell.

A moment later, she returns with an older man in a butler's suit. Man does a deep bow and says in a gentle but strong voice.

"King Tsaindorcus, lady Rigrit, emperor Ainz, has assigned me to assist you on your journey. My name is Sebas Tian and it will be my honor to be of assistance."

There was something particular about this man. It was clear he was not human. A great power deeply hidden. His gaze is sharp like hawks. There was a lingering sense he recognized.

"Likewise. Can I ask what your true form is Sebas?"

"I am a Dragonoid, your highness."

"For my kind strength determines the hierarchy. I can sense your hidden power and would like to spar with you."

With a sigh, Rigrit opens the portal to the desert. There was no way this will end well. She had already guessed that Sebas wore a false data ring that worked as an aura suppressor and hid power. And that means only one thing, he was far too powerful to not use one in public. She was wearing one, after all, for the same reason.

But there is no point intervening since it was just a friendly sparring match and Tsar could handle an ass-kicking or two. Both stood facing one another as the wind blew the coarse sand around.

"Sebas, you can start. Give me your best hit!"

"Are you sure?"

"I am a dragon lord. Be at ease, I can take it."

The moment Sebas released the murderous intent and sprang into action, Rigrit knew he was a max-level NPC. She turned to shout at Tsar, but luckily, he had put all his defenses up. His defenses absorb most of the damage from Sebas' hit aimed at the chest, but it clearly is not enough as it sent him flying backward with a shock wave.

After tumbling backward through the desert sands for a moment, he hits a large dune, creating a dust cloud.

{ Serves you right! You still in one piece? } Rigrit sends him a message followed by a burst of laughter.

Suddenly, Tsar shoots up in the sky with a deafening roar and lands next to them in his natural form. For a moment he glares at Sebas, still in a fighting pose, and then bows his head and says.

"I must admit, I underestimated you, Sebas. You are truly worthy of a title of a Dragon Lord. From this day on I wish to count you as my equal."

"I am honored to be prised so highly Tsaindorcus."

"Well, enough of that. Let's return to E-Rantel and plan the journey to the Azerlisia Mountains."

Rigrit just shakes her head and opens the gate again as Tsar reverts to a human form. She couldn't help but notice how he was clutching his chest as he walked through it.

'That had to hurt like hell.'

‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›

Her beloved queen's request was bordering on heresy. No amount of loyalty and love of her ruler did not deter the belief that the only good monster was a dead one. Talking with them was pointless. And there came the opportunity.

Remedios was furious for lack of respect towards her paladin order from the regular soldiers, especially from the man named Pabel Barja. Husband of one of her loyal paladins. As one of colors, the nine most elite and renowned warriors of Roble, he for some reason thought he was above showing proper respect to the most devoted and had the audacity to argue on tactics and how troops should be distributed.

He had a daughter. One who aspired to become a paladin just like her mother, but to her mother's despair was talentless and barely trainable. What was worse, she preferred the coward's weapon of the bow over the traditional paladin's preference of sword or a melee weapon in general. To use a ranged weapon was frowned upon as a sign of a lack of faith in gods.

This girl will be the perfect martyr to carry out the queen's will and go deliver the message. There was no doubt in Remedios mind, monsters will just torture and kill the girl, giving her, up till now, worthless existence, a higher purpose. A favor to the entire family.

At least she could review and sign some reports while she waits for the squire to show up. Usually, a two-day ride was required to get from paladin training camp to the capital, but it was the third day already and the girl still hasn't shown up as if Remedios didn't have better things to do than wait for her.

After two hours of tedious paperwork, the girl finally arrives and enters Remedios' office with a knock.

"You are late!"

"I'm sorry, grandmaster, the horse lost…"

"I don't care about your excuses. Sit down!"

How much she despised those glaring eyes. Like father, like daughter. The slim blonde girl dressed in a traditional squire's outfit would look like a typical teenager eager to become one of the holy knights if not for those upward slanted, black, beady, glaring eyes.

Remedios inspected the girl's outfit, more out of habit than necessity. Dark pants, the tunic colored like the kingdom's white with a blue crest flag. Topped with a dark cape. Everything seemed to be in order. Looks like she had spent some time putting on her clothing in order to appear proper before the grandmaster of the paladin order as a squire should.

"You trainers report you are rather lacking in your sword skills. Are you still shaming your mother and using a bow?" Remedios almost hissed the words.

"I'm sorry grandmaster, I will train harder, I…"

"You are not here because of your performance. Our beloved Queen has a task for someone like you. An important task."

The girl straightens out, clearly curious.

"Before you accept, I have to tell you that the task is very dangerous and you can't tell anyone about it, not even your parents! Do you understand?"

Neia Baraja felt that something was off with the offer. She was very aware that grandmaster was out to get her from the day she applied to join the paladin order and was a punching bag of sorts every single time she had unfortunate enough to be near Remedios. What kind of task she could possibly give to a mere squire like her.

But this could be her chance to prove herself, to make her family proud of her even if she could not tell them anything.

"I do, grandmaster. I will do my best no matter the task."

"Wise decision. Let's go, Queen Calca is already waiting for us."

Neia timidly follows Remedios while looking down. Her eyes always made people uncomfortable, so it had become a habit to look down and not show them. The streets of the capital were busy, as always. Why does she have to be there during the busiest time of the day? The royal castle probably will be the same and her presence will aggravate the grandmaster even more.

The audience with the queen was a great honor. Neia had met the queen only once before when her father was receiving a reward for exemplary bravery fending off the beastmen attack on the wall. Even back then, she thought Queen cared far too much about her appearance and not enough about her people.

While she recalled the past events, they were already at the throne room door. Snapping out of it, she looks around and quickly realizes that beside her and Remedios, only two people in the throne room are Queen Calca and the high priestess. Even guards were not present inside.

Neia quickly drops on one knee. For someone of her stature would be improper to address the queen first.

"Is this the candidate you choose Remedios?"

"Yes, your highness."

"Rise girl, I have a very important mission for you."

Neia rises and meets Queen's gaze. The internal panic rises. Any moment she will be asked the usual questions. What is wrong? Why she is angry?

"You look familiar. Have I met you before?" Calca asks curiously eyeing the girl.

"Yes, once, your highness. When my father received a reward for bravery."

"Oh, I remember, you are Baraja's daughter. Eager to continue the family's legacy and serve the kingdom, I presume?"

"Yes, your highness."

"That's good. The task I'm about to give is not only dangerous but must be a secret for now. A new empire has arisen between the Kingdom of Re-Estize and the Empire of Baharuth, an empire ruled by monsters. I need you to deliver a message to its ruler, Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown."

"An empire of monsters. But why…"

"Just read this report," Calaca says and hands Neia a paper.

Neia carefully takes it. Why she was given such information? What was going on? As she reads the report, it sounds like the ravings of a madman in a street corner shouting about the end of the world. Armies were summoned with a single spell. Unknown monsters, angels, demons. It made no sense. Such a force could not exist.

Neia looks up at Queen. Her expression told her it was all true. There was a desperate fear in her eyes. Neia hands the report back silently. What could she even say? She now understood what the mission was. To walk straight into the jaws of the beast and hope not to be torn apart.

"I know how dangerous it is and if you don't want to do it, we will find another."

Did she have an option to decline? If she did, she would never become a paladin. Grandmaster Remedios would see that she was kicked out as a disgrace. Maybe they will at least remember her, the girl with the scary eyes.

"I will do it, your highness."

"Your family is known for its bravery. I see you share the same trait. There is a ship prepared for you to Re-Estize. From there, you are on your own and will have to find a way to reach the Empire of Nazarick. Take my ring. It will prove you work for me, but use it sparingly."

Queen takes off one ring from her delicate finger decorated with her family crest and hands it to Neia. While she inspects the ring, the high priestess approaches her.

"We will pray for your success."

A soothing warmth of a blessing engulfs Neia. To be blessed by the High priestess directly was a rare honor and gave her confidence that she was not just sent out to die.

Only outside the Royal castle, her daze faded and reality set in once again. She was sent to deliver a message to a monster empire. Her wits and a decent sum of money are all she has. That's it. No official escort. No obvious way to even talk with high-ranking officials, as she was not an official diplomat.

Neia picks up the pace and walks towards the harbor. The ship was already waiting for her. No matter what, she will not soil the excellent reputation of her family, even if it means dying alone and forgotten in far-away lands.

‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›

Even those who looked from outside the gate would see the frenzied atmosphere inside the Re-Estize royal castle. Every single castle guard and maid was present. Today was the day the envoy from Nazarick arrives to sign the peace treaty.

Raeven, as the one assigned to greet the envoy, stands outside the castle at the agreed spot where guests should arrive via the gate spell. Farce or not, it was his duty to properly greet and guide the one named Nigredo. Renner warned him that Nigredo was the oldest sister of Empress Albedo and thus would be considered very high ranking even in Nazarick.

He did not know what type of monster to expect. All he could do was to prepare for it and act as if she was human, no matter how she would look. One glance around told him that most of the guards already barely hold it together. The horror stories from the battle were the major discussion topic in every social circle. From the lowest of beggars to upper nobility, everyone knew better to poke hornet's nest again.

Raeven discreetly looks at the pocket watch. Two more minutes.

'Slow breaths. Polite smile. I can do this.'

He keeps composure as the dark void appears in front of him. By the sound of it, at least one of the guards was shaking in fear, making a faint noise with his heavy plate armor. Four figures step through. Dressed in grey, light leather pants with same color leather corsets. Their curves were more than noticeable. What was off-putting, the rest of their seemingly human bodies were wrapped in thin stripes of white cloth. Even their heads were fully covered in the same wrappings. Each had two sickles strapped to their belts.

Before the panic could set in, the last figure appears. A beauty he had not seen before. A woman dressed in a long black, high neck dress. Long, pitch-black hair and piercing blue eyes. A faint smile on her face. She was human. There was nothing to tell otherwise. Raeven knew it was nothing more than a facade.

That was the scariest part about them. Monsters that could fully parade as humans. Spread such knowledge and people will start to suspect everyone around them.

Raeven bows in a practiced manner and says, "lady Nigredo, let me, Marquis Elias Brandt Dale Raeven, be first to welcome you to Re-Estize. King has assigned me to be your guide during your stay."

Nigredo curtsies with a smile.

"Thank you, Marquis Raeven, please lead the way."

Castle guards parted way as both slowly walk towards the throne guards surrounded by Nigredo's four guards. This creeping fear inside him didn't go away. He was their agent. He served them. Why didn't the fear go away? Reports from E-Rantel showed that Nazarick didn't intend to just massacre people, and even competent nobles would be spared on merit alone.

Once they reach a specific corner in the castle out of sight and ear, Nigredo stops and whispers.

"Lord Ulbert sends his regards. You have nothing to worry about Raeven." A small box appears in her hand, "This is your reward for good work, three rings that will protect yourself and your family."

Gift! Reaven carefully takes the small box and puts it inside the pocket of his vest. Gifting valuable items was a common tactic to lessen worries of your lesser. After all, it was easy to take them back if you plan to get rid of them, anyway. He was lesser, he would always be. Nothing he would do could harm Nazarick in a meaningful way.

And like that, fear was gone. He was just a small puppet to parade around. They had no reason to eliminate him as long as he didn't mess up. His son will grow up in the Empire of Nazarick without the ambition of a ruler.

"Thank you, lady Nigredo. Please thank Lord Ulbert in my stead for such a kind gift."

"He already knows that you are grateful," Nigredo says with a small smile while glancing at the shadow demon hiding in Raeven's shadow.

Another reminder that there was not a moment where he wasn't watched. But at this point, it was the norm already.

Another minute of a walk and they are in the throne room. First comes the usual polite greetings. King Zanac played his part well and remained sitting on the throne without jumping up and kneeling before Nigredo. Maybe one day he would meet the God of Trickery himself and get more insight into schemes he weaves.

Raven looks around at the nobles present. Some of them didn't have enough manners to not almost openly drool at the envoy of, at this point, a hostile empire. The recent purge had left poor pickings in so-called noble houses. Some of these simpletons had the manners of peasants but the arrogance of born rulers.

He could see their unhappy faces as guards carried chest after chest of gold coins into the throne room. The large cases were filled with twenty thousand platinum coins and weighed over two hundred kilos each. Every single one was carried by four guards, who put them down in an orderly row while the scribes prepared both copies of the peace treaty.

One hundred thousand platinum coins. Even Reaven himself hasn't seen such wealth in one place.

Once both treaties are signed, Nigredo picks one up and says.

"We will open a gate to collect the war reparations now if you don't mind."

"Of course. You have my permission to do so." King Zanac says.

Lately, he sounded more confident, like a proper king should. Likely the effect of that 'gift' of his. Not that Raven envied him. Yes, the king's personal succubus was beautiful, but he was happily married and would not trade his current life for the empty vanity of having a beautiful toy.

The void opens just beside the chests, tall plated undead figures come out and pick up chests one by one as if they were empty. Once they are gone, a lone figure steps through the gate. Even Reaven gasps.

King Barbo, or more like what has left of him, now stands in the throne room. His eyes sunken in and his face has this haunted look that invoked nothing but pity. No one knew how he was treated during his captivity, but he was a shadow of his once tall and strong form. This thin man looked like a mockery of a man Barbo once was.

"Emperor Ainz had decided to return your captured king and wishes to keep the relationship between our two countries civil and mutually beneficial. With that I, as his assigned envoy, humble request permission to buy a property within the capital of Re-Estize to establish an embassy." Nigredo says while bowing.

"Of course, permission is granted. Additionally, I wish to offer an unused wing of the royal castle as a temporary embassy. Both our nations would surely benefit from the immediate establishment of a diplomatic relationship."

Zanac says while glancing at his brother. He half expected Barbo to shout and protest. But all he could see was the motionless face and eyes devoid of any spark of life.

"Thank you, your majesty. In name of Empire of Nazarick, I graciously accept your offer."

Zanac quickly calls for the butler and once he arrives, the envoy leaves to inspect the provided space in the castle. It was clear many nobles were not happy with this decision, but none dared to raise an objection, especially in presence of the four creepy-looking bodyguards.

"Guards remove bounds from King Barbo. Brother welcome back, it is good to see you alive."

Barbo turns to stare at Zanac silently for a while

"Yes, thank you. I… this…" Barbo mumbles as guards untie his bindings.

"Get rest brother. I will continue handling things until you are ready to take the throne back."

"Throne…",

Zanac motions for Raeven to get Barbo out of the throne room before the nobles can assault him with questions and scheming.

The true king of Re-Estize was back.

‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›‹x›

The stench. He was laying in the mud and shit again. That laughter, that horrible laughter. That voice ordering him to oink. he could not resist, he oinks and oinks. There were no more tears to shed. His despair was beyond what he imagined possible.

"Bad piggy needs to be punished again!"

The red-furred monster says and approaches him. He needs to get away. Mud is slippery. He falls as tries to crawl away. The horrible sharp claws grab his neck. He screams…

Barbo jolts up in his bed. A dream! Was it just a dream? This bed might be another twisted illusion. Tears start streaming. What was real anymore? For a moment, Barbo just sobs as there are frantic knocks on the door.

This was real. He remembered now. Yesterday they released him. He was back in his bed. Knocks got more instant, a faint voice through the door,

"Your highness, is everything all right, your highness?"

"Yes, wait a bit please!" he says with his voice breaking a bit. Speaking out loud, how unusual it felt.

Barbo quickly hops out of bed and almost falls down. His legs barely hold him, now. He puts on a robe and opens the bedroom door. Two guards and a maid stand with worried expressions.

"I am fine. Just a bad dream. You must understand, after all, I… I… please do not worry, I am fine."

"Of course. Should I prepare breakfast and bath, your majesty?"

"Yes, that would be nice."

Servants were so nice to him. Although his captors cleaned him before his release, he hadn't had a proper bath in months. Yesterday after right after the return home he had just a quick meal and went to sleep. Soaking in the hot water felt so good. If not for that constant feeling that he will wake up back in that mud-filled shelter, he would be fully happy for that alone.

Once he got out, a maid came with a towel and gently dried his now thin body. Little previous muscle was left on his bones. Her gentle touch was another thing he hadn't felt in a long time.

The young woman notices his reaction and asks with a bit of uncertainty and fear in her voice.

"S-should I take care of that, your majesty?"

He remembered the girl. She became one of his maids just before the mistake before he went to attack Carne. He forced her to please him on the first day she started her service. He didn't care back about them. The girl had put on a brave face and did a decent job, but could not hide tears. That face, he remembered it. Back then, she was another thing he owned. King of the country was above all so what that it was the first time she did something like that, so what that she cried. That is how he felt back then.

"No, that won't be necessary. What is your name?"

"Verina, your highness."

"Verina… you don't have to do it. I… I'm sorry… I'm sorry for what I did to you." His voice was breaking again.

The girl looks at him for a moment and then returns to dry him with a towel.

None of his clothing fit him anymore. Everything was so baggy and ill-fitted. The breakfast was huge. After the rotten scraps he had eaten for months, the smell of freshly cooked meat made his mouth and eyes water. Unfortunately, after a few bites, he felt full already. When he stopped, the maid who brought him food got worried.

Everyone was so afraid of him. How strange was it to remember how he exploded in anger about even the smallest things?

Before he could say anything, there was a knock on the door. He motions for the guard maid to open it. His youngest sister, Renner, comes in. They were siblings in blood only. At best, they exchanged greetings during formal events. She always was just a political piece to be married off.

"Brother, I am so happy you are back safe with us. Do you enjoy the food? I set up everything with the cook just how you liked it." Renner asks with a gentle smile. Her usual expression when she interacted with people she liked.

"Yes. Thank you, sister. It is nice to see you too. You came out of your way to do such a gesture for me?"

"Of course, my dear brother. I even ordered the chef to slaughter a fresh pig."

Barbo freezes in panic and oinks loudly. Then realizes that he is eating pig meat and violently vomits it all out. The room stares in shock at him. Renner tears up and says in a panicked voice.

"I'm sorry! Did I do something wrong? I'm so sorry, brother. I wanted to welcome you home. I'm sorry."

"It's fine, sister." Barbo says, coughing up the last chunks of his breakfast. "it's not your fault. You didn't know."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine. It was so nice of you to try. Please don't worry about it."

"I will fix this!" Renner says and orders a maid to clean up while she goes to the kitchen.

After rinsing his mouth and drinking a bit of water, Barbo finally ate with his sister, who was very apologetic. Why did he have so many nightmares about her? Why did he see her as some kind of monstrous mastermind in his nightmares? She was so nice to him. Maybe it was just kissing up to him as a king. Despite that, her face showed genuine worry.

After breakfast, he went to his office as various messages came in. Nobles trying to appease him. Offers of alliance or just general welcome back messages. The usual trash. There was a note from Zanac shortly explaining that he was the current king regent and although he sat on the throne, Barbo was still the true king but suggested for Barbo to not take responsibilities of the ruler just yet.

There was this nagging thought in his mind that Zanac was trying to usurp the throne, but his reasoning made sense. Barbo had no idea what had happened during his absence. He was too vulnerable to be exploited for political gain. His other chief advisor and father-in-law were dead and unable to help him.

There was one note that caught his attention. It was written as some general welcome back message, but there was an unmistakable invite from the Eight Fingers about some alarming news. He recognizes the address. It was one of the estates where Hilma holds her parties.

It sounded too important to ignore, and no matter what, Eight Fingers was influential enough to be at least taken seriously by him.

An hour later, his carriage arrived at Hilma's mansion. Barbo steps out trying to not stager. Did he remember it wrong? Since when did Hilma look so young. She was always attractive, but now she looked so much younger than he remembered. Hilma approaches him with a smile and bows.

"Your highness, welcome to my humble home."

"Hilma, thank you. Was there something you wanted to talk about?"

She raises her head with a confused expression and then motions for him to come inside. She was swinging her hips so suggestively.

Two figures were waiting for him inside. His wife and her youngest brother. Both get up and bow seeing him.

"Husband, let me welcome you back. I have some dire news."

"Ellga! I… "

"Please sit down, I will explain everything."

Barbo sits down beside her as Hilma sits down beside the young Marquis Boullope, who is not even hiding the fact that he is openly staring at her cleavage. Hilma, clearly knowing what she is doing, presses her breasts together with hands in her lap to give a young foolish noble an even better view.

How many women she had provided for Barbo. Many of the slaves, broken women with no choice but to please. As much as his mind dwelled on his past actions, he needed to hear the news.

"What is this about?"

"Husband, your brother, with help of Marquis Raeven, plans to take the throne away from you. Their personal armies fully control the capital. Ever since you were gone, they scheme to first get rid of my father and then you. You are not safe in the royal palace."

"Ellga, are you sure? Hilma, what is your take on it?"

"By what nobles talk, I would say it's very likely, your highness. Let me assure you, Eight Fingers will side with you. That little brat is making our lives much more difficult and we prefer you as the king even with the big share of profits you take." Hilma says with a smile.

"Husband, we must leave the capital. I gathered what remained of your forces. For now, we safely control only Yegor's lands. Isn't that right, brother?"

Marquis Boullope stands up and says with a fist on his heart.

"I stand with you my king, We will crush your enemies together."

"Your loyalty will not go unrewarded, brother-in-law. I will put trust in you both." Barbo says.

He was not sure what to think. If it was true that Zanac was trying to take the throne, his life was in danger. His wife, on the other hand, would gain nothing from his death.

Talks went on, but he had a hard time following them, and it was visibly noticeable. Once the main talking points were out of the way, Hilma gets up and says, "Let's give King and Queen the privacy they need. I will show you around the garden, Marquis Boullope."

A moment later, he was left alone with Ellga. She sat close to him. He never loved his wife. It was just a political marriage, but she was an attractive woman, anyway.

Ellga gently touches his face and says with a whisper,

"Barbo, my husband, I waited for you all this time. I was faithful, I waited."

Her face showed so much pain. How many times he had left her alone in bed while he was sleeping with whores. How many times she had asked him to stay home.

"Ellga, I…" he didn't know what to say. Apologize? It would sound shallow. She moves close to him and kisses Barbo's lips.

"I waited for you so long, please let me!"

She gets up and turns around slowly unties the laces of her dress, dropping it on the ground, leaving nothing else on her. Slowly turning around, there is a pleading look on her face. He hadn't noticed it before, but despite everything, his wife loved him. For all he had done, his wife still loved and wanted him.

{AN: Short test smut. I will highlight the end of this part, so if you want to skip it, just go to the bonus story right away. A fair warning that it's likely not that good and interesting, but I wanted to give it a try at a less important scene first.

Barbo just stares at her body, growing noticeably hard. Her hips were a bit wide and there was a small tummy, but beyond that, there were no flaws. Smooth skin, decent-sized perky breasts, long shapely legs.

Taking it as a sign, Ellga drops on her knees and pulls off his pants, letting his member free. It was waiting for her. Ellga smiles and grabs it's by the base and licks the tip.

Barbo's pleasurable groan was all the encouragement she needed. Her lips engulf the throbbing cock, eagerly sacking it. How much Barbo missed it. She wasn't taking it deep. Unlike many whores he had used in past but it all faded in the background. He just wanted to enjoy the moment. Her lips and tongue slid up and down the shaft, her muffled moans. Her loving gaze as she looks up.

"Ellga… oh… I want to… I want you."

His wife pops Barbo's dick out of her mouth and gets up with desire in her eyes. Barbo grabs her hand and pushes her onto the sofa he is sitting on. She plops down with a surprised yelp and then spreads her legs with a smile. She had trimmed her pubes. It wasn't a thing nobles usually did. It's just for him.

Barbo get's on top of her with an almost violent kiss showing his tongue in her mouth. Ellga greedily responds, wrapping her legs and arms around him.

Barbo, not being able to hold back, rams his dick inside her, harshly, aggressively. Something of his old self had awakened. His wife responds with a loud moan and then pushes her mouth against his again as Barbo rams his dick in her wet waiting walls again and again.

Her moans get louder, fueling Barbo's desires. Both lost in passion, moving in unison.

"Yes… yes… take me… Barbo… I'm coming," she moans.

Her moans drive him over the edge as he does one last hard thrust and cums with a loud grunt.

She was still holding him. He could feel his seed slowly dripping out of her.

"Barbo, darling, please let us stay like this for a moment."

Barbo kisses her in response, panting.

{ AN: This was my first attempt at such kind of content and I don't plan to include smut often. Maybe once every few chapters where it fits. I am open to suggestions about where and when to put such scenes. If the quality of smut is considered passable, I may go back to older chapters and write out a few scenes fully. }

Bonus Story - Siblings.

Bukuma walks towards her destination, a place on the ninth floor she knew was the 'boys' den Peros made. Lately, she had spent very little time with her brother, and Peros, feeling the same, had invited her to spend some time together and even promised some kind of surprise.

The place looked just like she imagined, a strip bar. To her surprise, the frost virgin was dressed in a bartender's outfit and a regular one at that. She would have expected from her bother to dress her in at least a slutty bartender's outfit if not something even more perverted.

"Hey sis, you made it! Freeze hit her with the house stuff." Peros cheerfully shouts from one of the couches.

Buku sits on the same couch and, surprised stares at the tv on the wall.

"We have TVs in Nazarick?"

"Yup, the crafting department made it when I finally managed to explain what I wanted and how it generally worked."

"You bastard had a TV all this time and didn't tell me! God-dammit, I'm going to ruin so many girl races for you! Starting with Neko."

"Wait, wait, sis, let's not overact ok, this is the only one for now. Besides, I wanted to show the next thing I wanted to make."

"I'm listening."

Peros gets up and puts a small box on the table and then activates it. The TV screen lights up. Buku instantly recognizes what was on the screen. A starting screen of a fighting game she and Peros played in childhood.

"How did you…"

"Oh, it wasn't easy and I can't guarantee it is just like the original. The team worked for two months and made it from my memory. We even came up with some character balances."

"You seriously made a gaming console?" Buku asks with a surprised expression. Pero gives her a small controller as frost virgin puts a mug on the table in front of her.

"Yes, you know we don't spend time together anymore, and I thought this would be our thing. I can't just kick your ass in the arena. I need to do it in a game too."

"Kicking my ass, right? If you mean crying in the corner when your attacks don't work on me, then sure you can count that as a win."

"If you weren't such a bitch, all the time you would be a perfect older sister."

"I can't help it. I have a stupid little shit for a younger brother." Buku says with a laugh.

"Oh, it's on. I will make you cry!" Peros shouts in a fit of fake anger and activates the game.

The nostalgia hit her like a sledgehammer. They used to play this game all the time. She was working long hours, but the little brother's enthusiastic smile made all the tiredness melt each day as he waited for her with their game and dinner.

She was losing most of the rounds and after some time, the total lose-win ratio was lost. Unfortunately, beer didn't give her the buzz she hoped for. The poison immunity was a bitch sometimes.

Some many memories came back, some on her own, some recounted by her brother. The insults flew back and forth as usual. It was their way of expressing affection for one another.

"Hah, three times in a row. I still can beat your silly ass!" Buku shouts after a winning streak.

"I will get my revenge."

"Really now? And to whom you will sell my dirty panties this time?"

"Hey, I apologized for that. And you deleted my collection for it. It was an unjustified response!"

"Not my fault that ninety percent of the hard drive was full of Neko loli porn. Besides, I did hook up you with one of my more loose friends as an apology."

"Shit, I still remember Himari. The things she liked to do in bed..."

"Speaking of loose girls, how is Shalltear doing? I haven't met her in a while."

"She is doing fine. After I taught her how to shape-shift, she is a lot happier. I think she is even getting serious about that pet of hers. On the same note, how are Aura and Mare doing? You are not spoiling them too much?"

"Hey, I am a responsible mother! They are doing great, even acting more like kids than floor guardians in their free time. There was one incident with Zesshi but it is resolved."

"That Elven girl. haven't seen her in a while too. I think she is avoiding me."

"She is afraid of you. And I think those things you said when we attacked Slane theocracy affected her much more than she wants to show."

"Hmm, I didn't say that much, didn't I?"

"Well, she is rather bad at hiding her diary and there are many places where she writes 'theocracy's trash' and 'not good enough.'"

"Oh, she took that so seriously. Damn, maybe I should apologize to her about that."

"I will send her to you on some bullshit errand, then. Now I need to kick your ass some more."

"You are on, I'm not letting you win anymore."